Why must a patient still go to the hospital if stroke symptoms have resolved?

The necessity for a patient to go to the hospital after stroke symptoms have resolved is primarily to evaluate the underlying cause of a transient ischemic attack (TIA). A TIA serves as a warning sign that a full-blown stroke may occur in the future, and it indicates that there may be an issue with blood flow to the brain, which could be due to various factors such as a blood clot or narrowing of the arteries.

Professionals need to assess the risk factors and underlying conditions that contributed to the TIA to prevent future strokes. This includes diagnostic evaluations like imaging (such as CT or MRI scans) and blood tests. Timely medical intervention can provide the necessary treatment or preventive measures, such as medication to thin the blood, lifestyle changes, or managing comorbidities. Ignoring the symptoms once they resolve misses this critical opportunity for preventive care, which could be life-saving.